Heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger at a low cost.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger 10 comprises: a base part 20 including a first base flow channel 21 and a second base flow channel 22 in which a medium flows in a first direction D1; and a plurality of first heat conversion bodies 30 that are connected to the base part, are positioned between two object members, include a first flow channel for circulating a medium in a second direction crossed to the first direction, and are arranged side by side in the first direction. The first thermal conversion body includes: a front part 30A and a back part 30B constructed by folding a first film; a first outer edge joint part 33 that joints both inner surfaces of the first film along outer edges of a front part and a back part; and a first division joint part 34 that joints both the inner surfaces of the first film so as to partition the first flow channel into a first forward path 31 connected to the first base flow channel 21 and a first reflux path 32 connected to the second base flow channel 22. The base part includes the first film.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. [Background technology]

[0002] An apparatus having a large capacity, such as a storage device for solar power generation or wind power generation, or a storage battery for an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, includes a plurality of devices. The devices are, for example, battery cells. When the apparatus is in use, heat is generated in the device, and the temperature of the device increases. The apparatus preferably includes a heat exchanger for cooling the device.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchange bodies corresponding to each device. Each heat exchange body is located between two devices. Therefore, each device can be cooled evenly. This makes it possible to protect devices such as power storage devices and storage batteries. For example, it is possible to suppress deterioration in performance and safety of devices caused by heat. In addition, each heat exchange body is made of a flexible film. Therefore, weight reduction is realized compared to when the heat exchange body is made of metal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-27020 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Each heat exchange element in Patent Document 1 includes a joint pipe attached to the inlet and outlet of the medium. Two adjacent heat exchange elements are connected by piping via the joint pipe. For this reason, the manufacturing process of the equipment includes many steps, such as a step of attaching the joint pipe and a step of connecting the piping. In addition, the number of parts that constitute the equipment increases. As a result, the cost of the manufacturing process of the equipment increases.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that can solve such problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a plurality of target members arranged in a first direction, a base portion including a first base flow path and a second base flow path through which a medium flows in the first direction; a plurality of first heat exchange bodies connected to the base portion, positioned between the two target members, and aligned in the first direction, the plurality of first heat exchange bodies including a first flow path that circulates the medium in a second direction intersecting the first direction; the first heat exchange body includes a front portion and a back portion formed by folding back a first film, a first outer edge joining portion joining inner surfaces of the first film along outer edges of the front portion and the back portion, and a first partition joining portion joining the inner surfaces of the first film so as to partition the first flow path into a first forward flow path connected to the first base flow path and a first return flow path connected to the second base flow path, The base portion is a heat exchanger that includes the first film.

[0008] In the heat exchanger according to the present invention, the base portion may include an inlet portion located at a first end in the first direction and supplying the medium to the first base flow path, and an outlet portion located opposite the first end in the first direction and discharging the medium from the second base flow path.

[0009] The heat exchanger according to the present invention may further include a first reinforcing member inserted between the front portion and the back portion of the first heat exchange body and surrounded by the first section joint portion.

[0010] The heat exchanger according to the present invention may comprise a reinforcement structure including a base reinforcement member located between the first base flow path and the second base flow path, and a plurality of the first reinforcement members connected to the base reinforcement member and surrounded by the first compartment joint.

[0011] In the heat exchanger according to the present invention, the base portion may include a second film including an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first film, and a base partition joint located between the first base flow path and the second base flow path, joining the inner surface of the first film and the inner surface of the second film.

[0012] In the heat exchanger according to the present invention, the second film may extend flat at a position where the first section joint and the base section joint are connected.

[0013] The heat exchanger according to the present invention may include a plurality of second heat exchange bodies connected to the base portion and aligned in the first direction, the plurality of second heat exchange bodies including a second flow path for circulating the medium in the second direction. The second heat exchange body may include a front portion and a back portion formed by folding back a second film, a second outer edge joining portion joining inner surfaces of the second films along outer edges of the front portion and the back portion, and a second partition joining portion joining the inner surfaces of the second films to partition the second flow path into a second forward flow path connected to the first base flow path and a second return flow path connected to the second base flow path. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the number of steps required for manufacturing a heat exchanger can be reduced, and the number of parts constituting the heat exchanger can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a power supply module according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 taken along line AA. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 taken along line BB. [Diagram 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the power module of FIG. 2 cut along line CC. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the power module of FIG. 2 cut along line DD. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a process of combining a heat exchanger and a battery cell. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to a first modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a power supply module according to a first modified example. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger of FIG. 17 taken along line EE. [Figure 19] 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger of FIG. 17 taken along line FF. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a spacer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the scale and the aspect ratios are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the sake of ease of understanding.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a heat exchanger 10. The heat exchanger 10 exchanges heat with a plurality of target members arranged in a first direction D1. The target members are, for example, battery cells. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a power supply module 100 including the heat exchanger 10 and a plurality of battery cells 110. Two battery cells 110 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 may be electrically connected by a connection member 120.

[0018] The heat exchanger 10 will now be described in detail. The heat exchanger 10 includes a base portion 20 and a plurality of first heat exchange bodies 30 connected to the base portion 20.

[0019] The base portion 20 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the base portion 20 includes a first base flow path 21 and a second base flow path 22 that allow a medium to flow in a first direction D1. Both the first base flow path 21 and the second base flow path 22 extend in the first direction D1. The first base flow path 21 allows a medium to flow before heat exchange with the battery cell 110. The second base flow path 22 allows a medium to flow after heat exchange with the battery cell 110. The medium is not particularly limited, and is, for example, water.

[0020] The base portion 20 may include an inlet portion 27 and an outlet portion 28. The inlet portion 27 is located at a first end of the base portion 20 in the first direction D1. The inlet portion 27 introduces the medium into the first base flow path 21. The outlet portion 28 is located at a second end of the base portion 20 in the first direction D1. The second end is located opposite the first end in the first direction D1. The outlet portion 28 discharges the medium from the second base flow path 22.

[0021] 1, an introduction member 61 may be attached to the inlet portion 27. Also, a discharge member 62 may be attached to the outlet portion 28. The introduction member 61 and the discharge member 62 are, for example, cylindrical members. A pipe for supplying the medium to the heat exchanger 10 is connected to the introduction member 61. A pipe for recovering the medium discharged from the heat exchanger 10 is connected to the discharge member 62.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger 10 of Fig. 1 cut along line AA. The base portion 20 is composed of one first film 40 and one second film 80. The first film 40 includes an inner surface 41 and an outer surface 42 located opposite the inner surface 41. The second film 80 includes an inner surface 81 and an outer surface 82 located opposite the inner surface 81. The inner surface 81 of the second film 80 faces the inner surface 41 of the first film 40.

[0023] The base portion 20 includes a base perimeter bond 23 and a base section bond 24. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the base perimeter bond 23 is located at the perimeter of the base portion 20. The base perimeter bond 23 bonds the inner surface 41 of the first film 40 to the inner surface 41 of the second film 80. The medium flows in a space enclosed by the first film 40, the second film 80, and the base perimeter bond 23.

[0024] 1 and 3, the base section joint 24 is located between the first base flow path 21 and the second base flow path 22. The base section joint 24 joins the inner surface 41 of the first film 40 and the inner surface 81 of the second film 80. The base section joint 24 divides the space inside the base portion 20 into the first base flow path 21 and the second base flow path 22.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3, a base non-bonded portion 25 may be formed between the first base flow path 21 and the second base flow path 22. The base non-bonded portion 25 is a portion where the inner surface 41 of the first film 40 and the inner surface 81 of the second film 80 are not bonded. The base non-bonded portion 25 is surrounded by the base section bonded portion 24. As shown in Fig. 3, a base reinforcing member 55 may be disposed in the base non-bonded portion 25.

[0026] The base reinforcing member 55 is a rod member for increasing the rigidity of the base portion 20. By attaching the base reinforcing member 55 to the base portion 20, it is possible to suppress deformation such as bending or flexing of the base portion 20. The base reinforcing member 55 includes a member having a higher rigidity than the first film 40 and the second film 80. For example, the thickness of the base reinforcing member 55 is greater than the thickness of the first film 40 and the thickness of the second film 80. The base reinforcing member 55 may be made of a resin such as polypropylene.

[0027] Next, the first heat exchange body 30 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the multiple first heat exchange bodies 30 are arranged in a first direction D1. Each first heat exchange body 30 spreads in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. The second direction D2 may be perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first heat exchange body 30 is located between two battery cells 110 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1.

[0028] The first heat exchange body 30 includes a first flow path that circulates the medium in the second direction D2. The first flow path includes a first forward flow path 31 connected to the first base flow path 21 and a first return flow path 32 connected to the second base flow path 22.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger 10 of Fig. 1 cut along line BB. The multiple first heat exchange bodies 30 are composed of one first film 40. The first film 40 constituting the multiple first heat exchange bodies 30 is the same as the first film 40 of the base portion 20. In other words, the single first film 40 constitutes the multiple first heat exchange bodies 30 and also constitutes a part of the base portion 20.

[0030] The first heat exchange body 30 includes a front portion 30A, a back portion 30B, a first outer edge joining portion 33, and a first compartment joining portion 34. The front portion 30A and the back portion 30B are formed by folding back the first film 40 at the folding portion 43 shown in FIG.

[0031] 1 and 4, the first outer edge joint 33 joins the inner surfaces 41 of the first film 40 along the outer edges of the front portion 30A and the back portion 30B. The first outer edge joint 33 is connected to the base outer edge joint 23 of the base portion 20. The medium flows in a space surrounded by the first film 40 constituting the front portion 30A, the first film 40 constituting the back portion 30B, the folded portion 43, and the first outer edge joint 33.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the first partition joint 34 extends in the second direction D2 from the base portion 20 toward the folded portion 43. The first partition joint 34 is connected to the base partition joint 24 of the base portion 20. The first partition joint 34 joins the inner surface 41 of the first film 40 constituting the front portion 30A to the inner surface 41 of the first film 40 constituting the back portion 30B. The first partition joint 34 divides the first flow path of the first heat exchange body 30 into a first forward flow path 31 and a first return flow path 32. The first partition joint 34 is configured not to reach the folded portion 43. Therefore, the first forward flow path 31 and the first return flow path 32 are connected in the vicinity of the folded portion 43.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, a first non-joined portion 35 may be formed between the first forward flow path 31 and the first return flow path 32. The first non-joined portion 35 is a portion where the inner surface 41 of the first film 40 constituting the front portion 30A and the inner surface 41 of the first film 40 constituting the back portion 30B are not joined. The first non-joined portion 35 is surrounded by the first partition joint portion 34. As shown in FIG. 4, a first reinforcing member 51 may be disposed in the first non-joined portion 35. The first reinforcing member 51 is inserted between the front portion 30A and the back portion 30B.

[0034] The first reinforcing member 51 is a rod member for increasing the rigidity of the first heat exchange body 30. By attaching the first reinforcing member 51 to the first heat exchange body 30, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deformation such as bending or flexing in the first heat exchange body 30. The first reinforcing member 51 includes a member having a higher rigidity than the first film 40, similar to the base reinforcing member 55. For example, the thickness of the first reinforcing member 51 is greater than the thickness of the first film 40. The material of the first reinforcing member 51 may be the same as the material of the base reinforcing member 55.

[0035] The plurality of first reinforcing members 51 may be connected to a base reinforcing member 55. For example, the heat exchanger 10 may include a reinforcing structure 50 including a base reinforcing member 55 and the plurality of first reinforcing members 51 connected to the base reinforcing member 55.

[0036] As long as the inner surfaces of opposing films can be joined together, there are no particular limitations on the method for forming joints such as the above-mentioned base outer edge joint 23, base partition joint 24, first outer edge joint 33, and first partition joint 34. For example, the joint may be formed by melting the inner surfaces of the films by heating or the like and fusing the inner surfaces together. In this case, the inner surfaces of the films are made of a resin having heat fusion properties, such as a sealant layer. Alternatively, the joint may be formed by bonding the inner surfaces of the opposing films together using an adhesive or the like.

[0037] Next, an operation of the heat exchanger 10 will be described. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the power supply module 100 of Fig. 2 cut along line CC. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the power supply module 100 of Fig. 2 cut along line DD.

[0038] The medium introduced into the first base flow path 21 of the base portion 20 through the introduction member 61 and the inlet portion 27 flows in a first direction D1 toward the outlet portion 28, as shown in Fig. 5. The flow of the medium in the first base flow path 21 is also referred to as a first base flow F01.

[0039] 5, a plurality of first forward flow paths 31 are connected to the first base flow path 21. Therefore, the first base flow F01 is branched and flows into each of the first forward flow paths 31. The medium that flows into the first forward flow path 31 flows in the second direction D2 toward the turning back portion 43. The flow of the medium in the first forward flow path 31 is also referred to as a first forward flow F1f.

[0040] The first forward flow path 31 is connected to the first return flow path 32 near the turning portion 43. The medium that has reached the vicinity of the turning portion 43 flows through the first return flow path 32 from the turning portion 43 toward the base portion 20, as shown in Fig. 6. The flow of the medium in the first return flow path 32 is also referred to as a first return flow F1r.

[0041] When the medium flows into the first heat exchange body 30, the first heat exchange body 30 expands and comes into contact with the battery cells 110. Therefore, the medium exchanges heat with the battery cells 110 while flowing through the first forward flow path 31 and the first return flow path 32. This allows the battery cells 110 to be cooled. Since the first heat exchange body 30 contacts each battery cell 110, each battery cell 110 can be cooled more evenly.

[0042] 6, a plurality of first return paths 32 are connected to the second base flow path 22. The medium in each of the first return paths 32 flows into the second base flow path 22 and joins there. The medium then flows in a first direction D1 toward the outlet portion 28. The flow of the medium in the second base flow path 22 is also referred to as a second base flow F02. The medium that has reached the outlet portion 28 is discharged from the discharge member 62.

[0043] Next, a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger 10 and the power supply module 100 will be described.

[0044] First, as shown in Fig. 7, one sheet of first film 40 is prepared. Then, as shown in Fig. 8, a first folding step is performed in which a portion of first film 40 is folded back at folding back portion 43. As a result, first film 40 is formed with front portion 30A and back portion 30B facing each other. A first bent portion 44 may be formed at the base of front portion 30A. A second bent portion 45 may be formed at the base of back portion 30B.

[0045] Next, a first bonding process is carried out to partially bond the inner surface of the front portion 30A and the inner surface of the back portion 30B. For example, the sealant layer constituting the inner surface is partially melted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, a first outer edge bonding portion 33 and a first compartment bonding portion 34 are formed between the front portion 30A and the back portion 30B. In this manner, the first heat exchange body 30 is formed.

[0046] The method for melting the sealant layer is not particularly limited. For example, the sealant layer may be melted by pressing a mold heated by a heater against the first film 40. For example, the sealant layer may be melted by partially irradiating the first film 40 with a laser. In this case, the first film 40 may include a metal layer in contact with the sealant layer. The metal layer includes, for example, aluminum. The sealant layer may be melted by the laser being reflected and diffused by the metal layer.

[0047] The above-mentioned first folding step and first joining step are repeatedly performed, thereby forming a plurality of first heat exchange bodies 30 arranged in the first direction D1, as shown in FIG.

[0048] Next, as shown in Fig. 11, a reinforcement structure 50 is prepared. The reinforcement structure 50 includes a base reinforcement member 55 extending in a first direction D1, and a plurality of first reinforcement members 51 aligned in the first direction D1 and connected to the base reinforcement member 55. Next, as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the plurality of first reinforcement members 51 are inserted into the first non-joint portions 35 of the corresponding first heat exchange bodies 30.

[0049] 13, an introduction member 61 is joined to a first end of the first film 40 in the first direction D1. Also, a discharge member 62 is joined to a second end of the first film 40 in the first direction D1.

[0050] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the second film 80 is overlapped on the portion of the first film 40 extending in the first direction D1. Next, a base bonding process is performed to partially bond the inner surface of the first film 40 and the inner surface of the second film 80. For example, the sealant layer constituting the inner surface is partially melted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, a base outer edge bonding portion 23 and a base compartment bonding portion 24 are formed between the first film 40 and the second film 80. The base compartment bonding portion 24 is formed so that the base reinforcing member 55 is surrounded by the base compartment bonding portion 24. In this manner, a heat exchanger 10 including a base portion 20 and a plurality of first heat exchange bodies 30 is manufactured.

[0051] Next, as shown in Fig. 15, the heat exchanger 10 and the multiple battery cells 110 are combined together, thereby completing the manufacture of the power supply module 100 shown in Fig. 2.

[0052] According to this embodiment, since the multiple first heat exchange bodies 30 are made of the first films 40, the heat exchanger 10 becomes lighter than when the first heat exchange bodies 30 are made of metal.

[0053] Moreover, according to this embodiment, a part of the base portion 20 and the plurality of first heat exchange bodies 30 are configured by one first film 40. Therefore, the first forward flow path 31 of the first heat exchange body 30 is automatically connected to the first base flow path 21 of the base portion 20. Similarly, the first return flow path 32 of the first heat exchange body 30 is automatically connected to the second base flow path 22 of the base portion 20. Therefore, parts such as a joint pipe are not required, so the number of parts constituting the heat exchanger 10 can be reduced. In addition, since the process of attaching the joint pipe and the like is not required, the process required for manufacturing the heat exchanger 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger 10 can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the first heat exchange body 30 is composed of the first film 40, the first heat exchange body 30 can bend and expand. This makes it easier to bring the first heat exchange body 30 into close contact with the battery cell 110. This can improve the efficiency of heat exchange. Even if there is an error in the dimensions or arrangement of the battery cell 110, the error can be absorbed by the deformation of the first heat exchange body 30. This can reduce the manufacturing cost of the power supply module 100.

[0055] The state of the heat exchanger 10 when the power supply module 100 is not in use is arbitrary. For example, the heat exchanger 10 may be stored or transported in a state in which the medium and air are discharged from inside the heat exchanger 10.

[0056] It should be noted that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. Below, the modified examples will be described with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-described embodiment will be used for parts that can be configured in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Also, if it is clear that the effects obtained in the above-described embodiment can also be obtained in the modified examples, the description may be omitted.

[0057] (First Modification) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the second film 80 constituting the base portion 20 spreads out flat. For example, an example has been shown in which the second film 80 spreads out flat at the position where the first section joint 34 and the base section joint 24 are connected. However, the shape of the second film 80 constituting the base portion 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the second film 80 may also have a heat exchanger formed thereon, similar to the first film 40.

[0058] 16 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger 10 according to this modified example. The heat exchanger 10 includes a plurality of second heat exchange bodies 70. The second heat exchange bodies 70 are formed of a single second film 80, similar to the plurality of first heat exchange bodies 30. The second heat exchange bodies 70 are connected to the base portion 20 on the side opposite to the first heat exchange bodies 30.

[0059] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a power module 100 including the heat exchanger 10 of Fig. 16 and a plurality of battery cells 110. A plurality of second heat exchange bodies 70 are arranged in a first direction D1. Each second heat exchange body 70 extends in a second direction D2. The second heat exchange body 70 is located between two battery cells 110 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1.

[0060] The second heat exchange body 70 includes a second flow path that circulates the medium in the second direction D2. The second flow path includes a second forward flow path 71 connected to the first base flow path 21 and a second return flow path 72 connected to the second base flow path 22.

[0061] The second heat exchange body 70 includes a front portion 70A, a back portion 70B, a second outer edge joining portion 73, and a second compartment joining portion 74. The front portion 70A and the back portion 70B are formed by folding back a second film 80 at a folding portion 83 shown in FIG.

[0062] 16, the second outer edge joint 73 joins the inner surfaces of the second film 80 along the outer edges of the front portion 70A and the back portion 70B. The second outer edge joint 73 is connected to the base outer edge joint 23 of the base portion 20. The medium flows in a space surrounded by the second film 80 constituting the front portion 70A, the second film 80 constituting the back portion 70B, the folded portion 83, and the second outer edge joint 73.

[0063] 16 , the second partition joint 74 divides the second flow path of the second heat exchange body 70 into a second forward flow path 71 and a second return flow path 72. The second partition joint 74 is configured not to reach the turn-back portion 83. Therefore, the second forward flow path 71 and the second return flow path 72 are connected in the vicinity of the turn-back portion 83. The second partition joint 74 is connected to the base partition joint 24 of the base portion 20.

[0064] A second non-joint portion 75 may be formed between the second forward flow path 71 and the second return flow path 72. The second non-joint portion 75 is surrounded by the second compartment joint portion 74. A second reinforcing member may be disposed in the second non-joint portion 75. The second reinforcing member is a rod member for increasing the rigidity of the second heat exchange body 70, similar to the first reinforcing member 51. Similar to the first reinforcing member 51, a plurality of second reinforcing members may be connected to the base reinforcing member 55.

[0065] Next, the operation of the heat exchanger 10 will be described. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the power supply module 100 of Fig. 17 cut along line EE. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the power supply module 100 of Fig. 17 cut along line FF. The operation of the first heat exchange body 30 is similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0066] The medium introduced into the first base flow path 21 of the base portion 20 via the introduction member 61 and the inlet portion 27 flows in a first direction D1 toward the outlet portion 28. As shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of first forward flow paths 31 and a plurality of second forward flow paths 71 are connected to the first base flow path 21. Therefore, the first base flow F01 branches and flows into each of the first forward flow paths 31 and each of the second forward flow paths 71. The medium that flows into the second forward flow path 71 flows in a second direction D2 toward the turning back portion 83. The flow of the medium in the second forward flow path 71 is also referred to as a second forward flow F2f.

[0067] The second forward flow path 71 is connected to the second return flow path 72 near the turning portion 83. The medium that has reached the vicinity of the turning portion 83 flows through the second return flow path 72 from the turning portion 83 toward the base portion 20, as shown in Fig. 19. The flow of the medium in the second return flow path 72 is also referred to as a second return flow F2r.

[0068] 19, a plurality of first return paths 32 and a plurality of second return paths 72 are connected to the second base path 22. The medium in each of the first return paths 32 and the medium in each of the second return paths 72 flow into the second base path 22 and merge therewith. The medium then flows in the first direction D1 toward the outlet portion 28. The medium that has reached the outlet portion 28 is discharged from the discharge member 62.

[0069] Next, a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger 10 and the power supply module 100 will be described.

[0070] 10, a plurality of first heat exchange bodies 30 are formed on one first film 40. Similarly, a plurality of second heat exchange bodies 70 are formed on one second film 80.

[0071] Next, the reinforcement structure 50 is prepared. The reinforcement structure 50 includes a base reinforcement member 55 extending in a first direction D1, a plurality of first reinforcement members 51 aligned in the first direction D1 and connected to the base reinforcement member 55, and a plurality of second reinforcement members 52 aligned in the first direction D1 and connected to the base reinforcement member 55 on the side opposite to the first reinforcement member 51. Next, the plurality of first reinforcement members 51 are inserted into the first non-joint portions 35 of the corresponding first heat exchange bodies 30. Also, the plurality of second reinforcement members are inserted into the second non-joint portions 75 of the corresponding second heat exchange bodies 70.

[0072] Next, the second film 80 extending in the first direction D1 is overlapped on the portion of the first film 40 extending in the first direction D1. Next, a base bonding process is performed in which the inner surface of the first film 40 and the inner surface of the second film 80 are partially bonded together. As a result, a base outer edge bonding portion 23 and a base section bonding portion 24 are formed between the first film 40 and the second film 80. In this manner, a heat exchanger 10 including a base portion 20, a plurality of first heat exchange bodies 30, and a plurality of second heat exchange bodies 70 is manufactured.

[0073] Next, as shown in Fig. 15, the heat exchanger 10 and the multiple battery cells 110 are combined together, thereby producing the power supply module 100 shown in Fig. 17.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the first heat exchange bodies 30 are formed by one first film 40, and the second heat exchange bodies 70 are formed by one second film 80. The base portion 20 is formed by a part of the first film 40 and a part of the second film 80. Therefore, the first forward flow path 31 of the first heat exchange body 30 is automatically connected to the first base flow path 21 of the base portion 20. Similarly, the first return flow path 32 of the first heat exchange body 30 is automatically connected to the second base flow path 22 of the base portion 20. Similarly, the second forward flow path 71 of the second heat exchange body 70 is automatically connected to the first base flow path 21 of the base portion 20. Similarly, the second return flow path 72 of the second heat exchange body 70 is automatically connected to the second base flow path 22 of the base portion 20. Therefore, parts such as joint pipes are not required, so the number of parts of the heat exchanger 10 can be reduced. Also, the process of attaching the joint pipes and the like is not required, so the process required for manufacturing the heat exchanger 10 can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger 10. Furthermore, by forming a plurality of second heat exchange bodies 70 on the second film 80, the number of battery cells 110 included in the power supply module 100 can be increased.

[0075] (Second Modification) A spacer may be inserted at a position where three or more joints intersect. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a spacer 90. The spacer 90 in Fig. 20 has a cross shape. For example, the spacer 90 includes a first portion 91, a second portion 92, a third portion 93, and a fourth portion 94 extending outward from a central portion 95. A hole penetrating the spacer 90 may be formed in the central portion 95.

[0076] The first portion 91 is connected, for example, to the first outer edge joint 33 of the first heat exchange body 30. The second portion 92 is connected, for example, to the second outer edge joint 73 of the second heat exchange body 70. The third portion 93 is connected, for example, to the base outer edge joint 23 located upstream of the first portion 91 in the first direction D1. The fourth portion 94 is connected, for example, to the base outer edge joint 23 located downstream of the first portion 91 in the first direction D1. By providing the spacer 90, it is possible to prevent gaps from being generated between the joints. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10 Heat exchanger 20 Base part 21 First base channel 22 Second base channel 23 Base outer edge joint 24 Base Section Joint 25 Base non-joint 27 Entrance 28 Exit section 30 First heat exchanger 31 1st forward flow path 32 First return channel 33 First outer edge joint 34 First Section Junction 35 1st non-joint part 40 1st film 43 Folded section 50 Reinforcement structure 51 First reinforcing member 52 Second reinforcing member 55 Base reinforcement member 61 Introduction parts 62 Discharge parts 70 Second heat exchanger 71 2nd forward flow path 72 Second return channel 73 Second outer edge joint 74 Second Section Junction 75 2nd non-joint part 80 2nd film 83 Folded part 90 Spacer

Claims

1. A heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a plurality of target members arranged in a first direction, a base portion including a first base flow path and a second base flow path for flowing a medium in the first direction; a plurality of first heat exchange bodies connected to the base portion, positioned between the two target members, and aligned in the first direction, the plurality of first heat exchange bodies including a first flow path that circulates the medium in a second direction intersecting the first direction; the first heat exchange body includes a front portion and a back portion formed by folding back a first film, a first outer edge joining portion joining inner surfaces of the first film along outer edges of the front portion and the back portion, and a first partition joining portion joining the inner surfaces of the first film so as to partition the first flow path into a first forward flow path connected to the first base flow path and a first return flow path connected to the second base flow path, The base portion includes the first film.

2. 2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes an inlet portion located at a first end in the first direction and supplying the medium to the first base flow path, and an outlet portion located opposite the first end in the first direction and discharging the medium from the second base flow path.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first reinforcing member inserted between the front portion and the back portion of the first heat exchange body and surrounded by the first section joint portion.

4. 4. The heat exchanger of claim 3, further comprising a reinforcement structure including a base reinforcement member located between the first base flow path and the second base flow path, and a plurality of the first reinforcement members connected to the base reinforcement member and surrounded by the first compartment joint.

5. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base portion includes a second film including an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first film, and a base section joint located between the first base flow path and the second base flow path, joining the inner surface of the first film and the inner surface of the second film.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 5 , wherein the second film extends flat where the first section interface and the base section interface are connected.

7. a plurality of second heat exchange bodies connected to the base portion and arranged in the first direction, the plurality of second heat exchange bodies including second flow paths that circulate the medium in the second direction; 6. The heat exchanger of claim 5, wherein the second heat exchange body includes a front portion and a back portion formed by folding back a second film, a second outer edge joint that joins the inner surfaces of the second film along the outer edges of the front portion and the back portion, and a second partition joint that joins the inner surfaces of the second film so as to partition the second flow path into a second forward flow path connected to the first base flow path and a second return flow path connected to the second base flow path.

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